Spring 2021 Start Options
When can I get to campus?
We hear this question every day from international students like you. With the coronavirus pandemic, we understand that visa availability and travel plans may have been impacted. The University of Massachusetts Boston has options for you so you can start your degree on time.
We are working to get you to campus as soon as possible, in ways that prioritize your health and safety. UMass Boston is prepared to support you in beginning your university journey in a way that is tailored to you. Explore our start options below.
Option 1.
On-Campus Spring Semester—January Arrival
The University of Massachusetts Boston will remain partially open for the Spring 2021 semester. You are welcome to arrive on campus in January to start classes in person on February 1, 2021, if that is possible for you. Our team will be available to support you during your transition to life in the U.S.
Option 2.
Virtual Spring Semester
If you are unable to arrive on campus for the spring semester, we can help you study at UMass Boston from wherever you are. Many classes are offered online in real time but have been optimized for your time zone; some have online asynchronous options that will allow you to learn on your own schedule, with academic support to keep you on track.
Option 3.
Virtual Spring Semester - American Collegiate Live
Students also have the choice of starting their studies through American Collegiate Live, a digital classroom experience that will allow you to earn credits and then continue your studies on campus next semester.
Find a solution that works
Explore which path to your university degree makes the most sense for you:
Question 1: Are you able to get a visa appointment by December?
Answer: Yes
Question 2: Are you able to book travel plans for January?
Answer: Yes
On-Campus Spring Semester—January Arrival
Question 1: Are you able to get a visa to arrive on campus mid-semester?
Answer: No
Question 2: Are you able to begin your University of Massachusetts Boston degree virtually from your home this spring?
Answer: Yes
Virtual Spring Semester
For all application and payment deadlines as well as move-in and program start dates, please visit the Important Dates page.
Why Start with UMass Boston Online?
Experiencing delays in arriving to campus on time? Here are five reasons to start with UMass Boston Online.
1.
Start now
Don’t delay—start your degree program now, with no interruptions.
2.
UMass Boston credits
Take the exact same credits you would take if you were on-campus.
3.
Top professors
Learn from top-ranked UMass Boston faculty with other UMass Boston students.
4.
Dedicated support
Get academic assistance with UMass Boston advisors, plus guidance on your transition to campus.
5.
Become a Beacon
Join the UMass Boston community with regularly scheduled virtual events with students on-campus and around the world.
Virtual Graduate Program Offerings
If you can't make it to campus in January, some programs allow you to start your Master’s program virtually in Spring 2021 and arrive on campus for a later semester.
Degree |
---|
MS Accounting |
MBA |
MS Business Analytics |
MS Finance |
MS Information Technology |
MS Computer Science |
Stay informed
During this time of uncertainty, we are here for you. See how we have been supporting our students this semester:

UMass Boston Helps the Community during COVID-19
Students, faculty and staff across UMass Boston are responding to COVID-19’s effect on the region and society.

Here4U
UMass Boston is here for you through Here4U, an electronic resource that assists with campus questions, concerns, and feedback.